$7.7 million bond would fund several improvements for Aurora schools

By: 
Steve Chapman

No increase to the current tax rate, only an extension; safety upgrades main destination for money if approved
 
When voters in the Aurora R-8 School District go to the polls on Tuesday, April 6, they will be asked to approve general obligation funds in the amount of $7.7 million. According to information in the ballot language, the funds would be used to secure entryways and make security improvements at Robinson Elementary and Aurora Junior High School, build severe weather storm-hardened shelters and make renovations and utility efficiency upgrades at all of the district’s facilities.
Dr. Billy Redus, superintendent of schools, said the bond would allow the district to make several needed upgrades to its facilities.
“The current entryways for both Robinson School and the junior high do not allow for office personnel to interact with visitors except through a camera,” he said. “The new configurations would require visitors to come directly into the office before having access to any other parts of the buildings. The severe weather shelters are needed due to the lack of appropriate space to duck and cover. The repairs and renovations are needed in order to maintain the facilities in the best manner possible. Roofing, flooring and energy efficient windows will assist in prolonging the life of the buildings.”
The bond, Redus added, would also allow the district to make the needed repairs and upgrades immediately, as opposed for waiting for funds to become available.
“Currently, district personnel are addressing these issues as funds allow,” he said. “However, the bond issue will assist in taking care of these in a (timelier) manner.”
Improvements could boost academic success
Making the upgrades, Redus said, could help boost academic performance in the district’s students.
“The repairs and renovations will make students safer while being physically present at school,” he said. “They will also allow for students to be more comfortable with the HVAC updates. Research shows that students who are attending in a more aesthetically pleasing environment learn more successfully than those in facilities that are in need of repair.”
Besides the students, Redus said, the shelters would also give members of the community a safe place to go during severe weather. “The board indicated a desire to have the severe weather shelters open to community members when students are not present during the day,” he said. “Because of this, the shelters will be of use for those who do not have secure areas in their homes when emergency sirens are activated. Based on the occupancy of the shelters to be built, approximately 1,200 community members could shelter in the event of severe weather.”
The bonds would be paid off over 20 years, Redus said. He added that there would be no change to the current tax levy.
“The concept is the same as when homeowners refinance in order to make repairs and use money from the refinancing to do projects updating or fixing problems that need to be addressed,” he said. “This is an extension of the tax rate, but not an increase.”
Facility committee recommendation started motion
Redus said the district put the bond issue on the ballot based on feedback from multiple sources.
“The basis for the proposal started with a facility committee made up of parents and community members reviewing all facilities and making recommendations,” he said. “Input was also received through surveys of parents/community members and staff/teachers. The recommendations and survey feedback were then shared with the Board of Education who went through all the information before voting to put the proposal on the ballot.”
Based on this feedback, Redus is confident that the district’s patrons will vote to approve the bond.
“I believe Aurora parents, patrons and community members want students to be as safe as possible,” he said. “I also think they want students to be able to participate and learn in facilities that are conducive to student success. By focusing the issue on these areas, district funds that would be appropriated for facilities can be freed up to be used for instructional purposes.”   
While $7.7 million may seem like a lot of money, Redus said using the money to make the proposed upgrades to the district’s facilities would be a wise investment.
“All of the proposed projects directly tie to the needs of students,” he said. “They are not intended to provide luxuries for students or staff, but to ensure the basic necessities are in place to improve both learning and safety/security.”
 

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Lawrence County Record

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